OFFICE OF POSTDOCTORAL AFFAIRS
1114 Bioinformatics Bldg UNC-Chapel Hill and 301B Bynum Hall UNC-Chapel Hill
Website: postdocs.unc.edu Tel: (919) 962-9982
How to Write a Cover Letter
Cover letters are used to introduce yourself and to briefly explain your qualifications to a prospective employer.
A cover letter should always accompany your resume or CV when applying for a position. The cover letter should
highlight information included on your resume or CV without duplicating information verbatim. Use the same
letterhead (on top) and font used for your resume and other application documents.
Sample Template
Cover Letters
Sample Template
Individual career coaching, job search and interview assistance is available to all UNC postdocs
through the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs
Your Name
City, State, Zip Code Phone No. Email Address
Today’s Date
Individual’s Name
Title
Institution / Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
Dear Mr./Ms./Dr.: (Or if name unknown: Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Search Committee:)
1st Paragraph: In your initial paragraph, indicate the reason for writing, the specific position or type of
work for which you are applying, and how you learned of the opening. (e.g., prior contact with hiring
manager or employees of the organization, journal/newspaper ad, online posting).
2
nd
Paragraph: Mention qualifications you think would be of greatest interest to the search
committee/employer. Explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the
position. Mention ideas for future research, if applicable. If you have related experience, point this out by
mentioning specific achievements or unique qualifications gained through this experience. Above all,
indicate how you can contribute to the organization.
3
rd
Paragraph: Explain why you are particularly interested in the position and the organization. Subtly
emphasize your knowledge of the institution / organization. Connect this information to your own
background, qualifications, career objectives, etc.
4
th
Paragraph: In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for an interview. Refer the reader to the
enclosed CV or resume and offer to provide additional information, if necessary. Finally, thank the
employer for his/her consideration.
Sincerely,
Signature (if appropriate)
Your name typed
